36mm DateJust and DayDate Out To Pasture?

[tylerad1]

Hear me out now….these are just some observations of mine. I don’t think that they will get rid of the 36mm versions of these two icons, but here are some thoughts….I don’t want this to turn into another one of those "will Rolex, or won't Rolex" speculative threads…

So…looking at the recent DJ 41mm from Basel, along with the DD 40mm from last year’s Basel, I can’t help but wonder if Rolex is setting up to phase out the 36mm DateJust and DayDate. Don’t get me wrong….I love these watches at 36mm, and believe that it’s the perfect classy size for these models. However, I know that there’s been a lot of hearsay about these models going away with the introduction of the DJ2 and the DD2 a few years back. With the industry trend towards larger watches seeming to slow down (but not necessarily going away), it is curious to me to sit back and watch how Rolex is positioning themselves in the marketplace. From what I can tell, it seems that the Rolex men’s lineup has shifted, on average, from around 38mm to 40mm diameter, with the introduction of several new pieces. Here’s a quick list of what I’ve observed over the last 10 years or so:

Explorer: 36mm--->39mm

Explorer 2: 40mm--->42mm

DateJust: 36mm ---> New DJ2 @ 41mm ---> now simply DJ41mm

DayDate: 36mm ---> New DD2 @ 41mm ---> now slightly reduced to DD40mm

Yachtmaster: 40mm ---> YM2 @ 44mm

Air King: 34mm ---> 40mm (huge jump!)

OP: tricky one here….elimination of mainstay colors @ 36mm ---> now reintroduced @ 39mm

Not to mention the DJ PearlMaster @ 39mm, and the DD Special Edition @ 39mm

I’ve noticed that Rolex first introduced the DJ2 and the DD2 with the designation of “2” after the model name. Now, it seems that both models are now just the DJ 41mm and the DD 40mm. I can’t help but wonder if they removed the “2” as a sign of the upcoming elimination of the original 36mm DJ/DD “1”. It was interesting to see Rolex transition the 36mm OP lineup towards some slightly more fashion-forward dial colors, while introducing the 39mm as the man’s casual watch. I’m wondering if this could be a foreshadowing of what Rolex has in store for the DJ/DD 36mm. Or, by reassigning the DJ2 and DD2 as DJ 41mm and DD 40mm, is Rolex looking to push the 36mm sized models towards women, and come out with mid-sized models for a more modern lineup? Maybe 38/38.5mm variants on these models? The 36mm models haven’t been updated in quite some time, so I’m thinking they’re due for a makeover, only my prediction is that Rolex will up the case size a few mm. This might be why they reduced the size of the DD2 down to 40mm, but didn’t reduce the size of the DJ2 down to 40mm this year. Are they going to replace the 36mm DJ with a 38? Or, even have a DJ lineup of 36, 38.5, and 41mm? At 38mm, these two models would still be on the small/dressy end of the men’s lineup, however, it would separate them from the ever-increasing diameter size of watches that women wear these days.

I really enjoy the 36mm models, and I am planning on picking up a 36mm DJ in the upcoming months. I have a 7 ¼” wrist size, +/- depending on the humidity and previous day’s Guinness intake, so the 36mm fits quite nicely. However, I could see Rolex increasing the size a modest amount (not that I want them to) to make those models more contemporary. Also would be a good springboard to introducing the 32XX movements in these models. Oh yah….one other upgrade….please either eliminate the Roulette date wheels, or make them an option on the white/blue/black stick marker DJ’s. Nothing kills the clean look of these classy dial colors like a bright red date under 2.5x magnification (or less nowadays….).

Unfortunately, I misplaced my crystal ball years ago, so now only Rolex knows what Rolex has in store for the world…..but I’m excited to see what the future holds!

Thanks for listening to my ramblings

Tyler

[TheRolexKingofLV]

36mm will always be the " classic" go to choice IMO

[72offsuit]

Gone, but loved wearing mine with a suit, so classic doubt they will replace it, too much history.

[bobabreath]

Don't think DJ will go away, but may be upsized to DJ38 or 39.

[Colin10101]

far too much heritage between these two watches. Rolex even describes them as the archetype for the modern watch. I think Rolex will be offering a datejust and daydate in 36 until the end of their operations.

[Headshrinker]

Boy, I hope the 36mm will endure. I think it is the perfect size for a dress watch. I prefer 40mm for sport watches.

[cjohns]

Just tried on a 116200 white stick fluted on an oyster with a roulette date wheel,,,just perfect !

[Globule]

The 36 is the classic Rolex. A company so entrenched in their history would never throw away their heritage. I reckon it will be with us for a good few years yet.

[Maiden]

Just don't ever see it happening.

[Eric Chan]

Originally Posted by headshrinker

boy, i hope the 36mm will endure. I think it is the perfect size for a dress watch. I prefer 40mm for sport watches.

x2.

[Boothroyd]

They sell too many DJ's 36mm to do that. That model will always remain, updating dial, case and bracelet options as they go on.

[DJ TT 2002]

The 36 must endure. It's an icon

[SCsailor]

The 36 will stay but larger versions will continue to be offered. It's too classic to drop. The classic DJ has been the best selling model since forever.


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[Loevhagen]

Originally Posted by tylerad1

Yachtmaster: 40mm ---> YM2 @ 44mm

44mm is like a bad performing comedian; trying to make an impression - but only succeed a bad one.

[tylerad1]

Originally Posted by Loevhagen

44mm is like a bad performing comedian; trying to make an impression - but only succeed a bad one.

LOL! Totally agree!

[southcarolina1801]

Just got my DJ 36 today. It is the definition of perfection.




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[capote]

Originally Posted by southcarolina1801

Just got my DJ 36 today. It is the definition of perfection.




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Nice!

[Patton250]

Originally Posted by southcarolina1801

Just got my DJ 36 today. It is the definition of perfection.




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That fits perfectly on you.

I would never buy the 41 mm. I think they look ridiculous on my 6 1/2 inch wrist. So I hope they don't ever discontinue and 36 mm. I don't see why they would anyway it's too classic. IMHO

[clock]

Originally Posted by southcarolina1801

Just got my DJ 36 today. It is the definition of perfection.




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Stunning pic of a great watch.

The once very popular, and for several decades, Patek 3919 at 33mm is not popular. This model was considered Patek's hallmark. With that said, 36mm DJ is fine for most and wears differently.

I used to have 44 and 47mm Panerai's on my 6.5" wrist. I've come to realize they looked whimsical, sold them for several Rolex and never looked back.

[Mr DateJust]

Not a chance of the 36mm watches being phased out. The 36mm DJ is Rolex biggest seller probably by a huge margin.

[landroverking]

Not a chance with the world market.
Not everyone wants to wear a clock.

[GradyPhilpott]

I don't really care what Rolex does with the DJ, as I have mine and I won't be parting with it.

I don't think that the 36mm will be discontinued, if for no other reason than 36mm is now a common size for women.

[jrs146]

Have to admit you bring up some really good points. I don't see them eliminating the 36mm size anytime soon but no one can argue that they are currently focusing on the sweet spot of 40-41mm for those models.


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[davegct]

Originally Posted by 72offsuit

Gone, but loved wearing mine with a suit, so classic doubt they will replace it, too much history.

Great photo of a classic and rich looking combination!

[kopykopy]

36 mm always classic. They may not Phase it out but market it towards women. So you will still be able to get your hands on a 36mm as long as they dont put girly dials in it

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[clock]

Originally Posted by jrs146

have to admit you bring up some really good points. I don't see them eliminating the 36mm size anytime soon but no one can argue that they are currently focusing on the sweet spot of 40-41mm for those models.


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+1

[kopykopy]

I have yet to see older men wear the DJ2. Only the younger ones do. I wonder if in 2 to 3 decades these younger guys who become senior citizens will still rock a 41mm Datejust?

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[Rags]

The 36mm DJ will stay in the Rolex lineup. It's a classic watch that will always be embraced by both men & women.

[Jack Bauer]

The 36mm DJ is beautiful and IMO has the best looking dial and dial options, but it just looks too small on my wrist. It feels like wearing a woman's watch honestly.

[CDNWatchNut]

Another fan of the 36mm datejust, it really is just right...it's the one true DJ, IMO.